Finite Element Analysis

Anvil provides a wide variety of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) services using ANSYS, FE/Pipe, and NozzlePRO software. Our tools can be used for Design by Analysis of new equipment and piping, as well as Fitness for Service assessments of in-service and re-purposed equipment. We support vessel manufacturers with design solutions for irregular geometries not covered by traditional Design by Rule calculations.

General Capabilities
  • Thermal Analysis
    – Steady State and Transient
    – Coupled with structural analysis to calculate thermal stresses
    – Refractory thermal performance and analysis for potential spalling
    – Structural Analysis
  • Linear and Nonlinear, Large and Small Displacement
  • Elastic, Limit Load, and Elastic-Plastic
  • Plastic Collapse, Local Failure, Buckling, Ratcheting, Fatigue, Creep, and Vibration
Design by Analysis — New Equipment and Piping
  • ASME Section VIII Division I components not covered by Design by Rule calculations
  • ASME Section VIII Division II vessels
  • Lifting analysis
  • Piping components not covered by traditional piping code SIFs
  • Calculate more accurate stiffness and stress intensification factors for use in CAEPIPE and CAESAR II pipe stress analysis software
  • Pipe support design
Fitness for Service
  • Level 1, 2, and 3 Assessments in accordance with API 579-1/ASME FFS-1
  • General and Local Metal Loss
  • Pitting
  • Bulges and Hot Spots
  • General Shell Distortion
  • Weld Misalignment and Distortion
  • Fatigue Damage
  • FEA coupled with laser scanning technology to accurately define deformities
  • Temporary repair solutions to keep equipment operating safely until a scheduled shutdown
Turnaround Support, Design Optimization, and Root Cause Analysis
  • Fast solutions to unanticipated, complex issues that arise during turnarounds
  • Optimize wall thickness and geometries while maintaining safe designs
  • Root cause of failures, increasing confidence in design improvements to eliminate future issues
  • Flange analysis to determine likelihood of leakage due to excessive piping loads and thermal transients during steady-state, start-up, shut-down, and upset conditions
  • Heat treatment analysis to mitigate potential damage to nearby components and to assess integrity of existing equipment for heat treatment temperatures